Dr. Eliseo Cadapan is a renowned entomologist of international caliber. In the Gamma Epsilon fraternity, he is fondly called Brod Ely, having entered into this Greek-lettered University-based student organization in 1971, just a year after I did in 1972. What is interesting with his joining the Fraternity was, he did this at the time that he was a graduate student already, whereas I joined when I was sophomore.
Without demeaning our fraternity, we have the same story with Brod Ely as to how we joined fraternal organizations like GE - the name sounds like Upsilon (for Upsilon Sigma Phi, which was the most popular during our college days). Like him, I was recruited first to USP, but landed to our beloved GE. No regrets whatsoever, afterall we both love GE true and through.
Brod Ely took his doctoral degree in America. Shortly after he came back after completing his PhD degree in USA, he served as consultant of Philippine Cotton Corporation in mid-70's where I also worked as Technical Assistant. I remember then he was talking to me in Berkeley accent to my amazement (me still having that colonial mentality and perceived everything foreign as superior).
Brod Ely, while serving as a top-caliber entomologist at UPLB, developed interest and in fact, succeeded in the field of business. "Ellen's Fried Chicken" as owned by Brod Ely became a buzz word in the UPLB community. Brod Ely was indeed, not only an excellent entomologist, he was a successful businessman worthy to emulate. I also heard that he entered too in the realty business, having succeeded in many deals involving real properties. One joke in his circle, "No, Bro. Ely is not selling his experimental area in UPLB, he's selling lots in a subdivision".
Bro. Ely's wife Ellen originated in my second hometown here in Munoz, Nueva Ecija. Once upon a time, we talked informally of constructing a GE Frathouse in every university where this organization is active. We tried to think and apply here in the Philippines the culture of student fraternities in developed countries like USA, where mere membership is already a good indicator of one's professional success. The organization shall be responsible for your employment, and this is highly possible through networking with successful alumni. Brod Ely has really many good ideas for our organization.
Definitely, his untimely demise is a big lost to our organization.
Brod Ely's remains lie at the Heaven's Garden in Los Banos, Laguna. Interment will be on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 as posted by Brod Rolly Labios. To our beloved brother ELY, farewell. Thanks for all good memories we share under the wings of the two-headed eagle, the Gamma Epsilon fraternity. (Brod Josh blogs)
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